As President of Austin FC, Andy Loughnane (pronounced “Lock-nane”) oversees all aspects of Austin FC’s business operations including construction of infrastructure; community engagement; ticketing; sponsorships; marketing and communications; digital and social platforms; media distribution; merchandise; food and beverage; and stadium operations. Loughnane’s sports and entertainment background has encompassed leadership and sales roles across three major leagues in North America: MLS, NBA, and NHL. Loughnane has served as President of Austin FC since the formation of the Club.
Under Loughnane’s leadership, Austin FC enjoyed one of the most successful expansion seasons in professional sports history in 2021, ranking near the top of the league in multiple key performance areas. Austin FC was the only club in MLS to sell out 100 percent of its home matches in 2021, ranked first in the league in merchandise sales, and ranked second in the league in sponsorship sales, among other successes – all of which culminated in the Club being nominated for Sports Business Journal’s Sports Team of the Year award.
Prior to arriving in Austin, Loughnane served as President of Business Operations for the MLS club in Columbus from 2014 through the completion of the 2018 season. Prior to his tenure in Columbus, Loughnane oversaw all sponsorship and media sales initiatives as VP of Corporate Partnerships for the NBA’s Detroit Pistons from 2012 - 2014.
Loughnane previously helped launch a major league franchise as a member of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets’ inaugural front office staff. Prior to his role with the Blue Jackets, Loughnane worked for the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings from 1996 – 2000 which included the franchise’s back-to-back Stanley Cup runs in 1996-1997 and 1997-1998.
Loughnane is a graduate of Miami University (OH) and resides in Austin.
